Communications Degree

The communications program at Southwest Minnesota State University prepares the student to enter the fields of advertising, marketing, organizational communication, public relations, publishing, human resources, law, criminal justice, politics, public administration, and more. The program focuses on the scientific, humanistic, and critical study of human communication in a variety of formats, media, and contexts. Program courses include: intercultural communication, speaking and listening, verbal and nonverbal interaction, rhetorical theory and criticism, argumentation and persuasion, technologically mediated communication, and popular culture. Get more details below including other Minnesota colleges that offer communications degrees.

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Southwest Minnesota State University

235 Marshall Ave, Saint Paul, MN

SMSU, a public institution, offers a variety of educational opportunities, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Marshall, Minnesota, it offers a rural setting for students to study in. Nearly six thousand students enroll at SMSU per year.

Here is a list of some of the popular programs SMSU offers:

• Education
• Business And Marketing Studies
• Recreation And Fitness Studies
• Psychology
• Biological And Biomedical Sciences

Students applying for admission are usually required to submit an application, transcripts, test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by the admissions office. Most students at SMSU scored within the range of 19 - 24 on the ACT. SMSU accepts approximately 80% of applicants annually. Of those applicants accepted, nearly 35% enrolled. More information on admissions can be found at smsu.edu.

The cost of undergraduate tuition is approximately $8,500 annually. Tuition prices may change for any number of reasons, and therefore students should use the school's tuition calculator to identify their personalized cost estimate of attendance. Housing may be available for students that would like to live on-campus at an estimated cost of $4,600 for the year. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the necessary requirements by way of scholarships, grants, and loans.

Southwest Minnesota State University offers a variety of athletic programs overseen by the NCAA. Athletic programs that are available include:

• Baseball (NCAA Division II)
• Basketball (NCAA Division II)
• Football (NCAA Division II)

Students who would like to see more about Southwest Minnesota State University can visit their website at www.smsu.edu.

Students Enrolled in the Communications Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Southwest Minnesota State University offers a bachelor's degree program in communications.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Radio and Television Announcers

Description

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio or television. May announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Public Address System and Other Announcers

Description

Make announcements over public address system at sporting or other public events. May act as master of ceremonies or disc jockey at weddings, parties, clubs, or other gathering places.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, public address system and other announcers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 2.9% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI
  • Total Employment: 250
  • Average Hourly Rate: $16.64
  • Average Annual Salary: $34610

Public Relations Specialists

Description

Engage in promoting or creating an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, public relations specialists employment is expected to grow at a rate of 6.2% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI
  • Total Employment: 3
  • Average Hourly Rate: $29.27
  • Average Annual Salary: $60890

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).